A crash that damaged a utility pole and knocked out power to a handful of homes Monday was caused by a man trying to steal his own vehicle, police said.
Authorities said the incident started when Charles Patterson's pickup truck was towed from his apartment complex in Crafton on Monday night. Patterson went to Howard's Towing in Pittsburgh and took his truck, ramming it through the gate to get out of the parking lot, police said.
A tow truck operator returned to Crafton, where the two got into an altercation, according to authorities. Patterson put his truck into reverse and dragged the tow truck driver several feet along Baldwick Road before he crashed into a utility pole, police said.
The tow truck driver was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Patterson turned himself in to Crafton police. He faces charges of aggravated assault and other offenses, police said.
About five homes were without power because of the crash.
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